We are back in Montana! It was a long day and a long trip back from Apia. We spent most of the morning packing and clearing our accounts with the ship’s store and having our stateroom inspected. We were given the word that we needed to be off the ship at about 13:30 so the KA could continue her mission, and steam to the 170 West line where more buoy ops await. It was strange to walk down the gangway for the last time and bid the ship and crew farewell and good sailing.
After leaving the ship we headed to Joe the ET’s village. Actually it is the village that his wife if from but when he is in Samoa he stays with his in-laws.
The drive across the island was filled with miles of green and many small villages.
A typical Samoan front yard with tombs of the ancestors.jpg)
Once we were at Joe’s Village (Sataoa) we were welcomed with a meal that included sticky rice, noodles (much like ‘top ramen’) with meat and veggies, and fresh coconut water. It was an honor to be treated to such a fine meal and the hospitality of Joe’s family.
After the meal and some conversation we headed to the airport along a less traveled route that took us along the picturesque coast.
About midnight we boarded the plane home and while happy to be on our way back to Montana we are also happy to have had this opportunity to meet the warm and generous people of Samoa.
Thank you for following our Blog. Over the next few days we will try to upload some of the video that we couldn't load while on the ship. If you have any comments we will keep checking the Blog and will respond.
Rick and Art
I hope you guys had a great trip...it sounds like you did. I recently applied for the program, and am keeping my fingers crossed that I will be chosen. My 4th grade class and I have been following your trip and have enjoyed your blog. Any advice??? How soon did NOAA contact before your adventure began? Thanks for all the GREAT info!! Mechelle Shoemake, Ellisvill, MS
ReplyDeleteHi Mechelle,
ReplyDeleteI am glad that you and your students have enjoyed the blog. The trip was amazing and the experience, well I just can't say enough. The appreciation that I have for how science is done and data is collected is enormous. About the program, I hope that you get accepted. I think this is (or something like it) something that every teacher should do. To have first hand experience gives you the background to respond to kids when they say "when are we ever going to need this". You asked about the time frame. I think it was a couple of months after the deadline that we were notified about being accepted into the program. So, you have a little while to wait. You also asked for advice, I can give a few thoughts, 1st, take your dramamine for three days prior to the cruise and for the first three days of the cruise. This will make the first few days much more enjoyable. 2nd, ask to do everything you can. Get the full meal deal. If you have free time and you see someone doing something that even looks remotely interesting, ask if they want help. There are some things that you won't be able to do, but there are a ton that you can. Since you are in Mississippi, you should contact:
National Data Buoy Center
1007 Balch Blvd.
Stennis Space Center, MS 39529
228-688-2805
They might be able to help with a tour or someone to visit your class. Also, if you are on a cruise with buoys this is the place that does it and developing a partnership with a scientist from here could improve your chance at a cruise if you don't get one in this cycle.
Good luck, Rick